"Shitataka" is a Japanese word with multiple meanings that even Japanese find difficult to explain in simple terms. For example, it can be used in the following way: "She is a quick-witted and shitataka woman." In this case, "shitataka" has a positive meaning, such as "clever," "patient" or "a tough negotiator." But it can also have a slightly negative meaning, such as "calculating" or "cunning."
On Sept. 29, Japan and China will mark the 50th anniversary of their normalization of diplomatic relations in 1972. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who took office last October, often uses the word "shitataka" in describing his approach to dealing with China.
"Perhaps we are in a celebratory mood as we mark the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, but looking at the current situation, it is important to stabilize Japan-China relations with a sense of urgency. The 'shitataka' of Japanese diplomacy is being tested."
Kishida thus emphasized the importance of "shitataka" diplomacy toward China on a radio program in January. Referring to China's aggressive maritime expansion and human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, he said, "I will say what needs to be said [to China]. I will firmly raise these issues."
If we interpret Kishida's "shitataka diplomacy" literally, it means that the Japanese government should be "clever," "patient" and sometimes "calculating" in its dealings with China. However, this is easier said than done.
The relationship between Japan and China has gone through dramatic changes over the past half century.
When Kakuei Tanaka became prime minister in July 1972, he appointed his ally Masayoshi Ohira as foreign minister and immediately began negotiations for the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. The "Nixon Shock" of July 1971, when U.S. President Richard Nixon announced in a televised speech that he would visit China, had quickly intensified the trend toward normalization of diplomatic relations with China within Japan.
The Chinese side was also in a hurry to normalize relations due to its intensifying conflict with the Soviet Union and the need for Japanese economic support for its reform and open-door policies. Tanaka visited Beijing about two months after assuming office. He reached a conclusion on the establishment of diplomatic relations with China and broke with Taiwan.
For a long time thereafter, Japan-China relations enjoyed a period of friendship and exchange. One reason for this is that Japan supported China's economic development. The total amount of Japanese official development assistance (ODA) to China, which began after the normalization of diplomatic relations, amounted to more than 3.6 trillion yen (about 26 billion dollars) over 40 years until all projects ended in fiscal 2021. The money was used to build roads, bridges, ports and other infrastructure in China.
China achieved rapid economic growth and surpassed Japan in nominal gross domestic product in 2010, taking over Japan's position as the world's second-largest economy.
Not only has China's military power been growing, but it has also reached the world's top level of technological capability in fields such as information technology and artificial intelligence. China is now said to be the sole rival of the United States.
Looking at China's progress over the past several decades, it can be said that China is the one that has been increasing its national power in a "shitataka" way. Even today, as the world's second-largest economy, China is not willing to give up its status as a developing country, as evidenced by its leadership of the G77, a group of developing countries at the United Nations. This group has grown from 77 countries at its inception to 134 countries today.
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